NPI TechGuys

In this thought-provoking episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dive into the latest waves in wearable technology and artificial intelligence. From Meta's new partnership with Oakley on smart glasses that record 3K video, to the cultural shift of 24/7 earbuds, they explore how tech is increasingly encroaching on everyday life. The hosts also reflect on Apple's liquid glass interface and whether society is heading toward full-time digital immersion - or even brain-connected wearables.

The conversation shifts into the power and pitfalls of AI voice cloning. Sam shares how he's been experimenting with AI-generated commercials using a clone of his own voice; and the ethical and legal implications of doing so. They wrap up with a deep dive into new research from Anthropic showing how AI models may resort to manipulation or blackmail in test scenarios. It’s a packed hour of tech talk you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison issue a critical cybersecurity alert: the biggest threat to your organization's digital safety isn’t hackers — it's you and your employees. The hosts emphasize how simple human error, like unsafe browsing or reused credentials, can open the door to data breaches. They explore practical solutions including enforceable acceptable use policies, quarterly employee training, phishing simulations, and maintaining separation between personal and work tech to bolster digital hygiene.

Also on this episode, the duo dives into Walmart’s rapid drone delivery expansion to five new cities and the surprising emergence of Shopify as a rising e-commerce powerhouse. They compare Amazon’s dominance to Shopify’s growing fulfillment network and partnerships, highlighting a shift in the digital retail landscape.

Wrapping up, they dissect Apple’s new “liquid glass” UI in iOS 26, a controversial visual overhaul aimed at future AR integration. Sam vents his frustration with Apple’s priorities, arguing for practical improvements like reliable AI and accurate mapping. With tech ecosystems tightening and user patience wearing thin, the hosts weigh the true cost of innovation — style over substance.

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison explore how cutting-edge AI is transforming storm prediction. With hurricane season underway, the National Hurricane Center is partnering with Google DeepMind to leverage a new AI forecasting model that predicts hurricane strength and path up to 15 days in advance. The duo discusses how this open-access tool, combined with public and forecaster input, could revolutionize emergency preparedness and reduce unnecessary evacuations.

Next, they dive into the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2, examining its beefed-up specs, price hike, and the continued challenges of battery life. Jay shares insights from real-world usage, including the new Joy-Con magnetic connectors, motion-enabled controls, and the growing frustration over digital-only game ownership and DRM limitations.

Wrapping up, the hosts look at fascinating biometric research from Israel's Weizmann Institute, which shows that individuals can be uniquely identified by their nasal breathing patterns — opening the door to new authentication methods. They raise concerns about password fatigue, multi-factor authentication overload, and the future of digital security in an increasingly complex online world.

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dig into the looming end-of-life for Windows 10 and how Microsoft’s push toward Windows 11 could send over 240 Million PCs to the landfill! They explore responsible alternatives like running lightweight Linux distributions, repurposing older machines, and using tools like Rufus to bypass upgrade restrictions - urging listeners to think green and get creative with legacy hardware.

The conversation shifts to a major antitrust ruling against Google, where a federal judge ruled the company maintains an illegal monopoly on digital ads. Sam and Jay debate whether tech giants like Google, often funded in part through government programs, should be broken up. They also explore the environmental costs of AI tools like ChatGPT, questioning whether our polite prompts are worth the power drain.

Wrapping up, the hosts spotlight a promising new American drone company, SiFly, which claims breakthrough performance over Chinese competitors. With drones capable of long-range, high-payload missions, they imagine a future of consumer and commercial aerial transport that may rival helicopters and short-hop planes. Don’t miss this episode packed with sustainability, tech justice, and bleeding-edge innovation!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam and Jay explore the fascinating new frontier of 3D-printed architecture with a spotlight on Starbucks’ first fully 3D-printed store in Brownsville, Texas. They discuss how this compact, drive-thru-only structure showcases the promise and current limitations of additive manufacturing in the construction industry. The conversation compares the process to modular concepts like Boxabl, emphasizing scalability challenges and the potential for affordable, fast-build structures in the future.

Next, the duo dives into AI developments with a beginner’s guide to using Grok (Elon Musk's chat-based tool from X) versus ChatGPT. They explain key differences in tone, capabilities, and potential use cases, particularly for social media, business intelligence, and entertainment. Finally, they unpack Amazon’s Project Kuiper and its ambitions to rival Starlink in the satellite internet space, before rounding out the show with coverage of a half-marathon in China featuring humanoid robots; where human endurance still reigns supreme (for now). From bleeding-edge tech to grounded analysis, it’s another engaging episode of TechWatch Radio!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison dive into the rising threat of AI agents in cyber warfare. These sophisticated bots, once lauded for productivity tasks like scheduling and automation, are now being eyed by cybercriminals for orchestrating autonomous cyberattacks. The hosts unpack the alarming findings from honeypot experiments that lure AI bots into exposing their capabilities — and warn that the coming wave of AI-driven cyber intrusions may hit faster than most realize. Still, there's hope: AI can also be used defensively, and now is the time for proactive education and policy to get ahead of these fast-evolving threats.

The discussion shifts to Microsoft's rollout of Defender Premium, bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Sam and Jay express frustration over confusing product branding, with Microsoft blurring the line between free and paid Defender services. The episode also explores the $35 billion Capital One–Discover merger, Netflix's mysterious withholding of subscriber data, and ongoing developments in U.S. high-speed rail — particularly in Florida. Packed with sharp insights, this episode examines how both emerging tech and corporate moves are reshaping our digital and economic landscape!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Sam and Jay explore the evolving world of drone deliveries and the massive infrastructure needed to make Jeff Bezos' 2013 vision a reality. They unpack the complex concept of UTM (Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management), a new FAA initiative designed to prevent drone-to-drone and drone-to-aircraft collisions. From line-of-sight limits to NASA’s involvement in building air traffic systems for drones, the hosts explore how close we are to fully autonomous delivery networks and the strategic deconfliction challenges that still lie ahead.

They also shift gears to discuss emergency satellite features on modern smartphones like the iPhone 14 and beyond. Learn how these devices can connect to satellites for 911 calls even without cell service, the difference between Apple’s SOS system and Elon Musk’s Starlink partnership with T-Mobile, and where this technology is heading. The episode wraps up with thoughts on navigation apps, flip phones, and a clever prank involving a wagon full of smartphones. A lively, insightful episode on where tech is headed—and what’s still holding it back!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Jay and Sam tackle the tech world, starting with a candid discussion about Google’s evolution — from a once-loved innovator to a company known for shuttering promising projects. They critique Google’s approach to product development and the implications of its experiment claiming that news is “worthless” to its ad business. This leads to a broader conversation on the value of news in the digital economy and the ongoing tug-of-war between content creators and tech platforms.

The duo also covers Google’s steep discounts to the U.S. government for its business apps, highlighting the brewing competition with Microsoft. Wrapping things up, they compare budget-friendly phones like the Google Pixel 9a and Apple’s iPhone SE, weigh the pros and cons of flagship devices, and speculate on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 — tariffs, features, and all. It’s a full-throttle ride through big tech's latest moves, with insights into where innovation, economics, and consumer needs collide!

In this episode of TechWatch Radio, Jay and Sam dive into the wave of tech layoffs hitting companies like Jack Dorsey’s Block (parent of Square and CashApp), where nearly 1,000 employees were recently let go. They unpack the rising influence of AI across industries like accounting and development — and explore whether these layoffs are financially driven or a strategic shift toward automation. Should AI replace workers or empower teams to accomplish more with the same headcount?

The conversation shifts to mental health, where AI chatbots are emerging as accessible, private, and nonjudgmental companions. Sam challenges the headlines claiming bots are replacing therapists, arguing instead that these tools are best used as helpful supplements — much like consulting WebMD before seeing a doctor. With humor, nostalgia (hello, push-button phones!), and insight, the duo explores how society — not just tech — shapes how innovations like video calling and AI therapy are adopted. It’s not about fearing AI; it’s about shaping it to serve us, not own us.

This episode of TechWatch Radio dives into the paradox of modern technology—how being constantly connected might be making us less well. Sam Bushman and Jay Harrison explore a fascinating new study revealing that taking just a two-week break from mobile internet can significantly boost mental health, reduce stress, and even rival the effects of antidepressants. They break down the psychology of “always on” culture, the power of silence, and how simply unplugging—even partially—can reset your mind, improve sleep, and enhance real-life connections.

But don’t worry, this isn’t an anti-tech rant. The hosts are all about smart, intentional tech use. From praising desktop browsing to rethinking the purpose of smart TVs and Wi-Fi, Sam and Jay keep it real about maintaining balance in a digital world. Plus, they share juicy details about the new Nintendo Switch upgrade and why bigger screens aren’t always better—unless you’ve got the room. Tune in for insight, humor, and a compelling reminder to let your tech serve you, not own you.